Hayden Host is a senior at MCHS. He has been on the fishing team all four years of high school and is a state champion for Illinois bass fishing and a national championship qualifier. This interview for Nook News has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: When did you start bass fishing?
A: Around sixth or seventh grade, but competitively eighth grade.
Q: Why did you join the Anglers Club?
A: I really found it fun and wanted to fish tournaments all over the state.
Q: How many years have you been on the fishing team?
A: I’ve been a part of it all four years.
Q: Which season was your favorite?
A: My junior year for sure winning three ICASSTT tournaments and getting Angler of the Year with Hunter (Petrovic). But I’m definitely looking forward to this year.
Q: What was your favorite moment during your years on the fishing team?
A: It’s between both the six pounders in our tournaments or making it to nationals in South Carolina.
Q: What is your biggest fishing accomplishment?
A: It’s between Angler of the Year and winning state.
Q: What’s your go-to early morning gas station food?
A: Breakfast burrito or a donut
Q: What superstitions do you have?
A: We got a prayer card in a tournament packet last year and ended up winning that tournament, so the prayer card stays with us whenever we fish a tournament.
Q: What is the No. 1 tip you would give to someone new to fishing?
A: Try to make friends with people with boats and take any opportunity if they offer to take you out.
KJ Driscoll is a member of the Minooka Anglers Club.
